5 Ways You Can Relax During Your Free Time

Sometimes relaxing means not doing anything at all.

Life gets more and more fast-paced every day. We’re expected to respond to every message or task immediately. It seems that people think something is wrong with you if you’re not immediately available. What’s more important is to take care of yourself. When you emerge from rest you are more refreshed and ready to take on whatever life throws at you.

1. Take up a hobby

Hobbies are far from frivolous. They actually have many benefits. At the most basic level, a new hobby gives you something different to think about. Tactical hobbies like drawing or writing keep your hands occupied. That can encourage conversation if you’re in a room with someone else since you’re less likely to be distracted. Consider taking a class for your hobby like dancing or art. It’s a great way to meet new like-minded people. Hobbies also give you structure that can be reassuring if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Creative activities help you blow off some steam. They are a healthy outlet and provide a sense of control over the finished product.

2. Get away from it all

Make time to take a vacation if you can. It doesn’t even have to be a long one. Sometimes we just need the escape. Plus it gives you something to look forward to if work has been stressful. There’s nothing like crafting an “Out of Office” reply to take your mind off things. The best Alaskan cruise or other adventure can be very refreshing. You can travel with your friends and family or just take off by yourself. No matter where you go you will come back with a new perspective. You’re now ready to approach any lingering tasks with confidence.

We all have a different “love language.” These range from giving words of encouragement to giving gifts. They are all rooted in strengthening or renewing the relationships in your life. You need someone in your corner to pick you up when you’re down. Knowing who you can turn to lets you be yourself. What could be more relaxing than that? Plus your friends can give you suggestions of other ways to calm down that you might not have thought of yet.

4. Treat yourself

Indulge in something you really enjoy. This could be a spa treatment, a concert, or maybe a hike in your favorite park. Assess a long-standing or difficult goal and give yourself a reward for accomplishing it. If it is an easy activity to schedule you could even set aside a specific time each week where you do it. Self-care is a vital component of strengthening your resilience to life’s challenges. Taking care of yourself means that you’re saying “I matter.” You value yourself enough to know that you deserve to take time off. You are allowing yourself to relax.

5. Completely tune out

Sometimes relaxing means not doing anything at all. Learn how to set healthy limits on the number of tasks that you agree to take on. Many introverts get their energy from being alone but even extroverts need time to recharge. Take regular breaks from social media and let your friends know when you’ll be offline. That can be a hard habit to change at first if you’re used to a constant stream of news. Remember that it is easier to calm down without that external pressure to update. Just turn off your phone and either take a nap or just go for a walk. Let your mind wander.

What activities do you find relaxing?

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About Devin Caldwell

Devin is a young father and budding entrepreneur who has a passion for sharing his thoughts and experience with others. His goal is to ignite passion in others to fight for who they are and to be the best they can be, no matter their stage in life.